'''Jefferson County, Pennsylvania''' genealogy and family history research page. Guide to genealogy, history, and courthouse sources including birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, wills, deeds and land records, Civil War records, Revolutionary War records, family histories, cemeteries, churches, tax records, newspapers, and obituaries.

*'''Parent Counties''': Formed from [[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania|Lycoming]] County 26 March 1804. <ref name="HBG">[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/50140092&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;referer=brief_results ''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed.''] (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), [FHL book 973 D27e 2002].</ref>

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*'''Parent Counties''': Formed from [[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania|Lycoming]] County 26 March 1804. <ref name="HBG">[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/50140092 ''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed.''] (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), [FHL book 973 D27e 2002].</ref>

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*'''County Seat:''' Brookville<br>

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*'''Neighboring Counties''': {{PAGENAME}}&nbsp;'''residents''' may also have records in <ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Jefferson County, Pennsylvania" in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania (accessed 17 July 2012).</ref>[[Elk County, Pennsylvania|Elk]] (north){{•}}[[Clearfield County, Pennsylvania|Clearfield]] (east){{•}}[[Clarion County, Pennsylvania|Clarion]] (west){{•}}[[Forest County, Pennsylvania|Forest]] (northwest) {{•}} [[Indiana County, Pennsylvania|Indiana]] (south) {{•}}[[Armstrong County, Pennsylvania|Armstrong]] (southwest)

*'''Neighboring Counties''': {{PAGENAME}}&nbsp;'''residents''' may also have records in <ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Jefferson County, Pennsylvania" in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania (accessed 17 July 2012).</ref>

*'''11 April 1848:''' Set off [[Forest County, Pennsylvania|Forest]] County with parts from Jefferson and [[Venango County, Pennsylvania|Venango]] counties.

*'''11 April 1848:''' Set off [[Forest County, Pennsylvania|Forest]] County with parts from Jefferson and [[Venango County, Pennsylvania|Venango]] counties.

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For animated maps illustrating Pennsylvania county boundary changes, [http://www.mapofus.org/pennsylvania/ "Rotating Formation Pennsylvania County Boundary Maps"] (1673-1878) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website.

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==== Records Loss ====

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== Resources ==

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For a list of record loss in Pennsylvania counties see: [http://www.genealogyinc.com/pennsylvania/pa-counties.html#courthouse Pennsylvania Counties with Burned Courthouses]

:*'''1708-1985''' - [http://hsp.org/collections/catalogs-research-tools/members-only-database Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985] at [http://hsp.org/ Historical Society of Pennsylvania] – $, free to members of the society; Also available at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2451 Ancestry.com] – $; 7,542,774 entries. ''This database is incomplete for all counties.''

:*'''1708-1985''' - [http://hsp.org/collections/catalogs-research-tools/members-only-database Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985] at [http://hsp.org/ Historical Society of Pennsylvania] – $, free to members of the society; Also available at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2451 Ancestry.com] – $; 7,542,774 entries. ''This database is incomplete for all counties.''

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===== Baptist =====

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The Reverand Jonathan Nichols was the first preacher in the Jefferson County area to hold the beliefs of the Baptist denomination. The first Baptist was organized in 1834 in the barn of Henry Keys. The second congregation was established in 1836 in Brookville.<ref>Kate M. Scott, "History of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania" (Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason and Co., Publishers, 1888), 276-278. {{WorldCat|793031}}; {{FHL|231110|item|disp=FHL book 974.862 H2s}}</ref>

===== Methodist =====

===== Methodist =====

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The Methodist church arrived several years after the Presbyterian church. However, the church records were poorly kept and many have been lost.<ref>Kate M. Scott, "History of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania" (Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason and Co., Publishers, 1888), 260. {{WorldCat|793031}}; {{FHL|231110|item|disp=FHL book 974.862 H2s}}</ref>

[http://www.pa-roots.com/jefferson/church/methodist/methodist.html The Methodist Episcopal Church in Jefferson County], Jefferson County Genealogy Project<br>

[http://www.pa-roots.com/jefferson/church/methodist/methodist.html The Methodist Episcopal Church in Jefferson County], Jefferson County Genealogy Project<br>

===== Presbyterian =====

===== Presbyterian =====

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Reverand Robert McGarrough was the founder of Presbyterianism in Jefferson County. By 1850 the number of Presbyterian churches in the county was nine and grew to twenty-one by 1870. Early services were held at various homes in the county and the first organized church in the county was the '''Bethel Church''' in 1824. However, it did not have a permanent building until 1842 and the name was changed to '''Brookville'''.<ref>Kate M. Scott, "History of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania" (Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason and Co., Publishers, 1888), 237-248. {{WorldCat|793031}}; {{FHL|231110|item|disp=FHL book 974.862 H2s}}</ref>

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The '''Second Presbyterian Church''' was organized in 1832 but it too did not have a permanent structure until 1841.<ref>Kate M. Scott, "History of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania" (Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason and Co., Publishers, 1888), 237-248. {{WorldCat|793031}}; {{FHL|231110|item|disp=FHL book 974.862 H2s}}</ref>

Catholics were in the county as early as 1832. Services were held in members homes until the church building was dedicated in 1854. St. Ann's Academy was built in 1855-1856 at Corsica. It was used as a chapel and a boarding school for young women.<ref>Kate M. Scott, "History of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania" (Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason and Co., Publishers, 1888), 293-303. {{WorldCat|793031}}; {{FHL|231110|item|disp=FHL book 974.862 H2s}}</ref>

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===== United Brethren =====

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Organized by individuals from Pennsylvania and Maryland, the United Brethren were organized in 1800. The first structure in Jefferson County was erected in 1874 in Knoxdale.<ref>Kate M. Scott, "History of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania" (Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason and Co., Publishers, 1888), 291-293. {{WorldCat|793031}}; {{FHL|231110|item|disp=FHL book 974.862 H2s}}</ref>

==== Court Records ====

==== Court Records ====

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{{PA court1}}

===== Court of Common Pleas =====

===== Court of Common Pleas =====

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The Courts of Common Pleas are the trial courts of Pennsylvania. Major civil and criminal cases are heard in these courts. Judges also decide cases involving adoption, divorce, child custody, abuse, juvenile delinquency, estates, guardianships, charitable organizations and many other matters. The Common Pleas courts are organized into 60 judicial districts. {{PAGENAME}} has its own judicial district. Judges of the Common Pleas courts are elected to 10-year terms. A president judge and a court administrator serve in each judicial district.<ref>The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania http://www.pacourts.us/T/CommonPleas/ accessed 10 July 2012.</ref>

To learn if there are newspapers online for a specific town or city in Pennsylvania, see [http://news.google.com/newspapers news.google.com/newspapers] and search for the town or the name of a newspaper.

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To learn if there are newspapers online for a specific town or city in Pennsylvania, see [http://news.google.com/newspapers news.google.com/newspapers] and search for the town or the name of a newspaper.

Obituaries are generally found in local newspapers where the person died. However, sometimes an obituary is found in the location from which he or she originated. To find an obituary, see the information under the [[Jefferson County, Pennsylvania#Newspapers|Newspaper heading]]

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Obituaries are generally found in local newspapers where the person died. However, sometimes an obituary is found in the location from which he or she originated. To find an obituary, see the information under the [[Jefferson County, Pennsylvania#Newspapers|Newspaper heading]]

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{{Tip|Sometimes the fastest way of finding obituaries is to call or email the local [http://www.publiclibraries.com/ public library] in the area where the person died. If the library does not have newspapers, a librarian often will know where they are kept. If a death date is known, and the newspapers are at the library, someone on staff will usually make a search for a small fee, or will indicate someone who will do the search.}}<br>

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{{Tip|Sometimes the fastest way of finding obituaries is to call or email the local [http://www.publiclibraries.com/ public library] in the area where the person died. If the library does not have newspapers, a librarian often will know where they are kept. If a death date is known, and the newspapers are at the library, someone on staff will usually make a search for a small fee, or will indicate someone who will do the search.}}<br>

See also [http://www.genealogyinc.com/pennsylvania/pa-vital-records/ How to order Pennsylvania Vital Records]

===== Birth =====

===== Birth =====

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Birth records for Jefferson County began in 1893. The Jefferson County [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Clerk of Orphans' Court] maintains birth records upto 1906. To obtain a copy of birth record in the 1893–1906 time period contact the [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Jefferson County Courthouse.]<br>

Birth records for Jefferson County began in 1893. The Jefferson County [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Clerk of Orphans' Court] maintains birth records upto 1906. To obtain a copy of birth record in the 1893–1906 time period contact the [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Jefferson County Courthouse.]<br>

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The birth records for Jefferson County were microfilmed by [https://familysearch.org/ FamilySearch]. These microfilms may be [https://familysearch.org/films/ ordered] into a local [https://familysearch.org/locations FamilySearch Center] or [https://familysearch.org/locations authorized public library] for a small fee. <br>

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:*'''1726-1930''' - {{RecordSearch|1681005|Pennsylvania, Births and Christenings, 1709-1950}} - free index. Not complete for all years. This index is an electronic index for the years 1726 to 1930. It is not necessarily intended to index any specific set of records. This index is not complete for any particular place or region. This collection may include information previously published in the International Genealogical Index or Vital Records Index collections.

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:*'''1893-1906''' – Record of Births {{FHL|417627|item|disp=FHL films 927535–927536}}<br> The birth records for Jefferson County were microfilmed by [https://familysearch.org/ FamilySearch]. These microfilms may be [https://familysearch.org/films/ ordered] into a local [https://familysearch.org/locations FamilySearch Center] or [https://familysearch.org/locations authorized public library] for a small fee. <br>

:*'''Filed 1941-1969''' – Record of Delayed Births {{FHL|417631|item|disp=FHL film 927536 (first of 7)}}<br> The delayed birth records for Jefferson County were microfilmed by [https://familysearch.org/ FamilySearch]. These microfilms may be [https://familysearch.org/films/ ordered] into a local [https://familysearch.org/locations FamilySearch Center] or [https://familysearch.org/locations authorized public library] for a small fee. <br>

Beginning in 1906 Pennsylvania birth records are available through the [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/public_records/20686 Department of of Health]. Birth records become public after 105 years. A [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1086145&mode=2 statewide index] is available. Once an individual is located in the index a certificate can be obtained by writing to:

Beginning in 1906 Pennsylvania birth records are available through the [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/public_records/20686 Department of of Health]. Birth records become public after 105 years. A [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1086145&mode=2 statewide index] is available. Once an individual is located in the index a certificate can be obtained by writing to:

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The cost for an non-certified birth certificate is $3.00.<br>

The cost for an non-certified birth certificate is $3.00.<br>

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Some Jefferson County births can be found online in [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://hr-search-api:8080/searchapi/search/collection/1681005 Pennsylvania, Births and Christenings, 1709-1950].

===== Marriage =====

===== Marriage =====

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Jefferson County marriages are maintained at the [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Jefferson County Courthouse]. Jefferson County began recording marriages in 1885 although some registrations took place from 1852–1855. Marriage licenses from 1885 are available at the [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Clerk of Orphans' Court] in Brookville.

Jefferson County marriages are maintained at the [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Jefferson County Courthouse]. Jefferson County began recording marriages in 1885 although some registrations took place from 1852–1855. Marriage licenses from 1885 are available at the [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Clerk of Orphans' Court] in Brookville.

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A free online index with images to some Jefferson County marriages can be found in the [https://familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] Records Collection, ''[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://hr-search-api:8080/searchapi/search/collection/1589502 Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885 – 1950.]'' Most of the records consist of marriage licenses, certificates, applications, docket books, and affidavits. These records have been microfilmed.

:*'''1725-1976''' - {{RecordSearch|1681011|Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1709-1940}} - free index. Not complete for all years. This index is not necessarily intended to index any specific set of records. This index is not complete for any particular place or region. This collection may include information previously published in the International Genealogical Index or Vital Records Index collections.

:*'''Pre-1810''' – Pennsylvania Marriages [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2098 Ancestry.com] – ($) This database is incomplete for all counties. Includes 35,000 marriage records from vol. VIII of of the second series of the Pennsylvania Archives.

:*'''1885-1950''' - {{RecordSearch|1589502|Pennsylvania County Marriage, 1885-1950}} Extracted marriage records – free. Most of the records consist of marriage licenses, certificates, applications, docket books, and affidavits. This database is incomplete for all counties. May also contain marriage records earlier than 1885.

Divorce records are available through the office of the Prothonotary. The office of the Prothonotary is located in the [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Prothonotary courthouse] building.<br>

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Divorce records are available through the office of the Prothonotary. The office of the Prothonotary is located in the [[{{PAGENAME}}#Courthouse|courthouse]] building.<br>

===== Death =====

===== Death =====

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Jefferson County began recording deaths in 1893, although some were recorded from 1853–1854. These records are available in the Jefferson County [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Courthouse] in Brookville. You may request a death record from the [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Clerk of Orphans' Court.]

Jefferson County began recording deaths in 1893, although some were recorded from 1853–1854. These records are available in the Jefferson County [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Courthouse] in Brookville. You may request a death record from the [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Jefferson_County,_Pennsylvania#Orphan.27s_Court_.28see_Vital_Records.29 Clerk of Orphans' Court.]

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These county death records were microfilmed by [https://familysearch.org/ FamilySearch.] They are available through [https://familysearch.org/locations/ Family History Centers].

:*'''1853–1854''' – Registration of Deaths{{FHL|418305|item|disp=FHL film 931896}} These county death records were microfilmed by [https://familysearch.org/ FamilySearch.] They are available through [https://familysearch.org/locations/ Family History Centers].

:*'''1893-1906''' – Record of Deaths {{FHL|417634|item|disp=FHL film 927545}} These county death records were microfilmed by [https://familysearch.org/ FamilySearch.] They are available through [https://familysearch.org/locations/ Family History Centers].

Pennsylvania death certificates become public records after 50 years. An [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/public_records/20686 annual index] is&nbsp;released by the&nbsp;Pennsylvania Department of&nbsp;Health. Records less than 50 years old are kept by the [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/birth_and_death_certificates/11596 Division of Vital Records] and are not public certificates. Only certain people can request a non-public death certificate. To order a non-public representative you must be:

Pennsylvania death certificates become public records after 50 years. An [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/public_records/20686 annual index] is&nbsp;released by the&nbsp;Pennsylvania Department of&nbsp;Health. Records less than 50 years old are kept by the [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/birth_and_death_certificates/11596 Division of Vital Records] and are not public certificates. Only certain people can request a non-public death certificate. To order a non-public representative you must be:

Revision as of 23:41, 18 March 2014

Jefferson County, Pennsylvania genealogy and family history research page. Guide to genealogy, history, and courthouse sources including birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, wills, deeds and land records, Civil War records, Revolutionary War records, family histories, cemeteries, churches, tax records, newspapers, and obituaries.

Census

There are no county or state census records available for Pennsylvania. County and city tax records can be used as a substitute when census records are not available.

Church Records

Church records and the information they provide vary significantly depending on the denomination and the record keeper. They may contain information about members of the congregation, such as age, date of baptism, christening, or birth; marriage information and maiden names; and death date. In Pennsylvania, church records are often used as a substitute for birth, marriage, and death information. For general information about Pennsylvania denominations, view the Pennsylvania Church Records wiki page.

Finding Church Records at Other Repositories

Additional church records can sometimes be found using search phrases such as Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Genealogy Church Records in online catalogs like:

Baptist

The Reverand Jonathan Nichols was the first preacher in the Jefferson County area to hold the beliefs of the Baptist denomination. The first Baptist was organized in 1834 in the barn of Henry Keys. The second congregation was established in 1836 in Brookville.[3]

Methodist

The Methodist church arrived several years after the Presbyterian church. However, the church records were poorly kept and many have been lost.[4]

Presbyterian

Reverand Robert McGarrough was the founder of Presbyterianism in Jefferson County. By 1850 the number of Presbyterian churches in the county was nine and grew to twenty-one by 1870. Early services were held at various homes in the county and the first organized church in the county was the Bethel Church in 1824. However, it did not have a permanent building until 1842 and the name was changed to Brookville.[5]

The Second Presbyterian Church was organized in 1832 but it too did not have a permanent structure until 1841.[6]

Roman Catholic

Catholics were in the county as early as 1832. Services were held in members homes until the church building was dedicated in 1854. St. Ann's Academy was built in 1855-1856 at Corsica. It was used as a chapel and a boarding school for young women.[8]

United Brethren

Organized by individuals from Pennsylvania and Maryland, the United Brethren were organized in 1800. The first structure in Jefferson County was erected in 1874 in Knoxdale.[9]

Court Records

Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Genealogy court records are housed at the Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Genealogy Courthouse. For many counties copies of court records may be found at the Pennsylvania State Archives and in the FamilySearch collection. Note that within these collections some films may contain the same records, but have different titles. Other titles are not duplicates. See Finding Court Records at other repositories within this section for links to the online catalogs for these two collections. Films at the Pennsylvania State Archives are not available for inter-library loan. If court records are available FamilySearch films may be ordered at a local Family History Center.

Court of Common Pleas

The Courts of Common Pleas are the trial courts of Pennsylvania. Major civil and criminal cases are heard in these courts. Judges also decide cases involving adoption, divorce, child custody, abuse, juvenile delinquency, estates, guardianships, charitable organizations and many other matters. The Common Pleas courts are organized into 60 judicial districts. Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Genealogy has its own judicial district. Judges of the Common Pleas courts are elected to 10-year terms. A president judge and a court administrator serve in each judicial district.[10]

Clerk of the Court

The Clerk of Courts prepares and maintains the records for the Criminal Division of the Court of Common Pleas. The Clerk signs and affixes the Seal of the Courts to all writs and processes, administers oaths and affirmations, and assumes custody of the seal and records of the Courts. The Clerk certifies and distributes orders of the Court. The Clerk also certifies and prepares bills of costs for the defendants and utilizes the computerized financial management system to disburse fines, costs and restitution.[11] For the Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Genealogy Clerk of Courts address see the Courthouse section on this page.

Prothonotary

The office of the Prothontary is the custodian of all civil matters in the county. This includes naturalization, immigration, equity actions, judgements, federal and local tax leins, city liens, family court, arbitrations, license suspension appeals, appeals to higher court, commercial code filings, applications for passports and divorce proceedings. See the Courthouse section on this page for the Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Genealogy Prothonotary office information.

Orphans' Court

Register of Deeds/Register of WillsClerk of Orphans' CourtJefferson County Courthouse200 Main StreetBrookville, PA 15825

Emigration and Immigration

Ethnic Groups

Germans

Gazetteers

Genealogy

History

Published Histories

Land and Property

Land records in Jefferson County began in 1818. These records are filed with the Recorder of Deeds office in Brookville, Pennsylvania.

Land and property records can place an ancestor in a particular location, provide economic information, and reveal family relationships. Land records include: deeds, abstracts, indexes, mortgages, leases, grants, sheriff sales, land patents, and maps. Property records include liens as well as livestock brands and estray records.

Maps

Migration

Military

Naturalization and Citizenship

Naturalization records can contain information about immigration and nativity. Prior to 1906, it is rare to find the town of origin in naturalization records. See Pennsylvania Naturalization for more information about the types of records and availability.

Naturalizations granted at the county level were kept by the office of the Prothonotary. Naturalizations could also be granted on the Federal Court level.

Obituaries

Obituaries are generally found in local newspapers where the person died. However, sometimes an obituary is found in the location from which he or she originated. To find an obituary, see the information under the Newspaper heading

Sometimes the fastest way of finding obituaries is to call or email the local public library in the area where the person died. If the library does not have newspapers, a librarian often will know where they are kept. If a death date is known, and the newspapers are at the library, someone on staff will usually make a search for a small fee, or will indicate someone who will do the search.

Occupations

Indentured Servants

Periodicals

Poorhouse, Almshouse

Probate Records

Probate matters in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Genealogy are handled by the Orphans' Court and start when the county was created. To obtain original probate records, contact the Orphan's Court in the County Courthouse.

In addition to wills and administrations, the Orphans' Court also handles: audits of accounts of executors, administrators, trustees, and guardians; distribution of estates of decedents, incompetents, and minors; appointment and control of guardians; adoptions; appeals from the Register of Wills involving probate matters; inheritance tax appeals and various petitions and motions.

Original probate records for some Pennsylvania counties are available free online as digital images at FamilySearch.org. The dates vary significantly for each county and not all counties are listed. Some counties may only have probate indexes. This Pennsylvania collection of images may be browsed through the links listed below:

Repositories

Archives

The Pennsylvania Archivescollection contains county archive records that can be searched onsite. Currently the Archives' staff cannot provide research or make copies of these records. Their collections include Almshouse Registers; Tax records; Birth, Death and Marriage Indexes and Records; Midwife records; African American records; Wills; Deeds; Naturalizations; Coroner's inquests; and Orphan's Court dockets. A list of the Archive's county holdings are on Microfilm or Manuscript form.

Courthouse

Register of Deeds/Register of WillsClerk of Orphans' CourtJefferson County Courthouse200 Main StreetBrookville, PA 15825

Taxation

Vital Records

Vital records are handled by the County Orphans' Court. Between the years 1852-1855 Pennsylvania made a failed attempt to record birth, marriage and death events at the county level. While the records for that time period are available, there were few events recorded. County marriage records were kept in earnest in 1885. Births and deaths, at the county level, were begun in 1893 and kept through 1905. Abstracts and copies of vital records are available for some counties, but most are incomplete. For the most complete set of records, always contact the County Orphans' Court.

1726-1930 - Pennsylvania, Births and Christenings, 1709-1950 - free index. Not complete for all years. This index is an electronic index for the years 1726 to 1930. It is not necessarily intended to index any specific set of records. This index is not complete for any particular place or region. This collection may include information previously published in the International Genealogical Index or Vital Records Index collections.

Beginning in 1906 Pennsylvania birth records are available through the Department of of Health. Birth records become public after 105 years. A statewide index is available. Once an individual is located in the index a certificate can be obtained by writing to:

Marriage

Jefferson County marriages are maintained at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Jefferson County began recording marriages in 1885 although some registrations took place from 1852–1855. Marriage licenses from 1885 are available at the Clerk of Orphans' Court in Brookville.

1725-1976 - Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1709-1940 - free index. Not complete for all years. This index is not necessarily intended to index any specific set of records. This index is not complete for any particular place or region. This collection may include information previously published in the International Genealogical Index or Vital Records Index collections.

Pre-1810 – Pennsylvania Marriages Ancestry.com – ($) This database is incomplete for all counties. Includes 35,000 marriage records from vol. VIII of of the second series of the Pennsylvania Archives.

1885-1950 - Pennsylvania County Marriage, 1885-1950 Extracted marriage records – free. Most of the records consist of marriage licenses, certificates, applications, docket books, and affidavits. This database is incomplete for all counties. May also contain marriage records earlier than 1885.

Divorce

Divorce records are available through the office of the Prothonotary. The office of the Prothonotary is located in the courthouse building.

Death

Jefferson County began recording deaths in 1893, although some were recorded from 1853–1854. These records are available in the Jefferson County Courthouse in Brookville. You may request a death record from the Clerk of Orphans' Court.

Pennsylvania death certificates become public records after 50 years. An annual index is released by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Records less than 50 years old are kept by the Division of Vital Records and are not public certificates. Only certain people can request a non-public death certificate. To order a non-public representative you must be:

Legal representative of decedent's estate

Immediate family member

Extended family member who indicates a direct relationship to the decedent

Power of Attorney (Please note that a Power of Attorney document is no longer valid upon the death of the individual)

The cost for a non-certified public death certificate is $3.00. Indexes for Pennsylvania public death records are available online through the Department of Health for 1906 through 1961. Once an individual is located in the index a certificate can be obtained by writing to: